RENAULT is looking to build upon its phenomenal sales success this year with the aim of capturing 10% of the total UK car market, with fleet business pivotal. Fleet business will play a vital role in the French manufacturer's growth plans, according to Philippe Gamba, vice-president of Renault's marketing and sales for Europe.

In 1991 Renault sold 20,217 cars into the UK fleet market to take a 3.24% share and in the first five months of this year its has already sold 44,498 for a 9.44% share. He believes the openness of the UK car market and the open-mindedness of new car buyers, both fleet and retail, will help Renault increase its current 8% market share.

The company can already boast the best-selling car in this country in April, when the Megane leapt to the top of the sales charts, and Gamba said such performances would become even more common in future. The new Clio, for example, received 8,500 orders during its first two weeks on sale - 56% above target.

Gamba denied speculation that Renault is using the relative strength of Sterling and weakness of the Franc to buy business, and said the company's success was based on changes in its dealer network, a long term campaign to win fleet business, and an attractive, competitively specified and priced range of cars. Our marketing strategy is not linked to our currency,' said Gamba. 'We cannot reduce our prices in the UK because of a 10% change in currency, our prices are based on the UK market.'